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The  'Bride 


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THE  BRIDE 
By  Samuel  Rowlands 

Reprinted  for  the  First  Time  from  a  Copy 

of  the  Original  Edition  of  1 6 17  in 

the  Library  of  Harvard  College 

With  an  Introdudory  Note  by 
Alfred  Claghorn  Potter 


BOSTON 

Printed  for  C.  E.  Goodspced 

at  The  Merrymount  Press 

1905 


Copyright,  1905,  by  Alfred  Claghorn  Potter 


-/ 


9a? 


IntroduSiory  V^te  ,,.„ 

WHEN  The  Complete  Works  of  Samuel  ^ 

Rowlands  were  isGued  by  the  Hunterian  ly 

Club  in  1 872-1 880,  in  an  edition  of  two  hundred  '^ 
c*nd  ten  copies,  the  editOx  was  obliged  to  omit  from 
the  collection  the  poem  entitled  "  The  Bride."  No 
copy  of  this  traft  was  supposed  to  be  extant.  Twenty 
years  later,  in  the  article  on  Rowlands  in  the  Dic- 
tionary of  National  Biography,  Mr.  Sidney  Lee  also 
n^mes  this  poem  as  one  of  the  author's  lost  works. 
All  that  was  known  of  it  was  the  entry  in  the  Sta- 
tioners' Register:* 

"22°  Maij  1617 

"  Master  Pauier.  Entred  for  his  Copie  vnuerthe  handes 
"  of  master  Tauernor  and  both  the  wardens,  A  Poeme  in- 
"  tituled  ^he  Bride,  written  by  Samuell  Rowlands    vj*^'" 

While  all  of  Rowlands's  works  are  classed  by  biblio- 
graphers as  "rare,"  this  one  seemed  to  have  disap- 
peared entirely.  No  copy  was  to  be  found  in  any  of 
the  large  libraries  or  private  coUeftions,  nor  was 
there  any  record  of  its  sale. 

Last  spring  a  copy  was  discovered  in  the  cata- 
logue of  a  bookseller  in  a  small  German  town,  and 

*Arber*s  Transcript^  vol.  Hi.  p.  609. 


R^'00028 


IntroduBion 

was  secured  for  the  Harvard  College  Library,  being 
purchased  from  the  Child  Memorial  Fund.  The  copy 
is  perfeft,  except  that  the  inner  corner  at  the  top  of 
the  second  and  third  leaves  has  been  torn  off,  with  the 
loss  of  parts  of  two  words,  which  have  been  supplied 
in  manuscript.  From  this  copy  the  present  reprint 
is  made.  As  in  the  Hunterian  Club  edition  of  Row- 
lands's  Works,  to  which  this  may  be  considered  a 
supplement,  the  reprint  is  exaft.  The  general  make- 
up of  the  book  as  to  style  and  size  of  type  has  been 
followed  as  closely  as  possible;  and  the  text  has  been 
reproduced  page  for  page  and  word  for  word.  The 
misprints,  which  are  unusually  numerous,  even  for 
a  book  of  this  period,  have  been  left  uncorrefted.The 
title-page  and  the  two  head-pieces  have  been  repro- 
duced by  photography. 

Of  the  poem  itself,  since  it  is  now  before  the  reader, 
little  need  be  said.  It  cannot  be  claimed  that  it  pre- 
sents great  poetical  merit.  Rowlands  at  his  best  was 
but  an  indifferent  poet,  —  hardly  more  than  a  penny- 
a-liner.  In  his  satirical  pieces  and  epigrams,  and  in 
that  bit  of  genuine  comedy,  "Tis  Merrie  when  Gos- 
sips meete,"  his  work  does  have  a  real  literary  valu6, 
and  is  distinftly  interesting  as  presenting  a  vivid  pic- 
ture of  London  life  at  the  beginning  of  the  seven- 
teenth century.  In  "The  Bride,*'  it  must  be  con- 
fessed, Rowlands  falls  below  his  own  best  work.  Yet 


IntroduBion 

the  poem  is  by  no  means  wholly  lacking  in  interest. 
If  not  his  best  work,  "The  Bride"  is  by  no  means 
his  worst.  Like  most  of  his  poems,  it  is  written  in  an 
heroic  stanza  of  six  lines,  and,  as  is  not  so  common 
with  him,  is  in  dialogue  form.  The  dialogue  for  the 
most  part  is  well  sustained  and  sprightly.  The  story 
of  the  birth  of  Merlin,  it  is  true,  seems  to  have  been 
inserted  mainly  to  fill  out  the  required  number  of 
pages;  but  this  digression  has  an  interest  of  its  own, 
in  that  the  name  here  given  to  Merlin's  mother, 
"  Lady  Adhan,"  does  not  appear  in  the  ordinary  ver- 
sions of the  legend. 

Of  Rowlands's  life  almost  nothing  is  known :  that 
little  is  told  in  the  Memoir  by  Mr.  Gossc  prefixed 
to  the  Hunterian  Club  edition,  and  by  Mr,  Lee  in 
the  Dictionary  of  National  Biography,  and  need  not 
be  repeated  here.  All  that  is  known  with  certainty 
is  that  Samuel  Rowlands  was  a  writer  of  numerous 
poems  and  pamphlets,  published  between  the  years 
1598  and  1628.  During  this  period  there  appeared 
almost  every  year  a  pamphlet  bearing  his  name  or 
the  well  known  initials,  "  S.  R."  Twenty-eight  sep- 
arate works,  of  which  many  passed  through  several 
editions,  are  known  to  have  been  written  by  him. 
All  of  these  early  editions  are  rare;  at  least  two  of 
the  works  have  been  lost;  several  are  extant  only 
in  the  second  or  later  editions;  and  of  at  least  ten, 


IntroduSiion 

only  single  copies  are  known  to  exidt.  Beside  the  edi- 
tion of  the  Works  already  referred  to,  ^  number  of 
Rowlands's  tradts  have  been  separately  reprinted, 
in  limited  editions,  by  Sir  Walter  Scott,  by  S.  W. 
Singer,  by  E.  V.  Utterson,  by  Halliwell-Phillipps, 
by  J.  P.  Collier,  and  by  E.  F.  Rimbault  in  the  publi- 
cations of  the  Percy  Society ;  to  this  series  of  reprints, 
''  The  Bride  "  is  now  added. 

Alfred  Claghorn  Potter 


Harvard  College  Library 
January^  1905 


THE  BRIDE 


BY  SR- 


London 
Printed  By  VV.L  for  T.  p.  1617^ 


THE  BRIDE  TO 

ALL  MAYDES. 


Not  out  of  bubble  blafted  Pride  ^ 
Doe  loppo/e  myfelfe  a  Bride ^ 
In Jcornefull  manner  voilh  vpbraides: 
Againfl  all  modeft  virgin  maides. 
As  though  I  did  difpife  chaft  youth^ 
This  is  not  my  intent  of  truth, 
I  know  ihey  mujl  liuefingle  Hues, 
Before  th' are  graced  to  be  mues. 
Butfuch  are  only  toiXcJid  by  me^ 
That  thinke  themfelues  as  good  as  wee: 
And  fay  girles^  Weomens  fellows  arr, 
Nayfavocely,  Our  betters  farr : 
Yea  will  difpute,  they  are  as  good. 
Such  Wenches  vex  me  to  the  blood. 
And  are  not  to  be  borne  with  all: 
Thofe  I  doe  here  in  qiieflion  call, 
Whome  with  the ;  ules  ofreafons  Arte: 
lie  teach  more  wit  before  we  part, 
Sylence,  ofkindnes  I  befeech, 
Doeyoufinde  eares,  and  week  findef peach. 


Virgins,  and  fellow  maydes  (that  were  of  late) 
Take  kindly  heere  my  weeding  dayes  a  dew, 
I  entertayne  degree  aboue  your  ftate: 
For  Marriage  life's  beyond  the  fingle  crew, 

Bring  me  to  Church  as  cuftome  fayes  you  fhall. 
And  then  as  wife,  farewell  my  wenches  all. 

I  goe  before  you  vnto  Honour  now. 
And  Hymen's  Rites  with  ioy  doe  vndertake 
For  life,  I  make  the  conftant  Nuptiall  vow, 
Striue  you  to  follow  for  your  credits  fake. 
For  greater  grace  to  Womankind  is  none 
Then  loyne  with  husband,  faithfull  two  in  one. 

God  Honoured  thus,  our  great  Grand-mother  Eue 
And  gaue  thereby  the  bleffing  of  increafe. 
For  were  not  mariage  we  mull  all  beleeue. 
The  generations  of  the  earth  would  ceafe. 

Mankind  fhould  be  extinguifh'd  and  decreafd 
And  all  the  v/orld  would  but  confift  of  beaft. 

Which  caufed  me  to  finde  my  Mayden  folly. 
And  having  found  it,  to  reforme  the  fame: 

A  3  Though 


The  'Bride. 

Though  fome  of  you,  thereat  feeme  melancholy 
That  I  for  ever  doe  renounce  your  name. 
I  not  refpeft  what  cenfure  you  can  giue, 
Since  with  a  loving  Man  I  meane  to  Hue. 

Whofe  kindeft  heart,  to  me  is  worth  you  all. 
Him  to  content,  my  foule  in  all  things  feekes. 
Say  what  you  pleafe,  exclaiming  chide  and  brail. 
He  turne  difgrace  vnto  your  blufhing  cheekes. 
I  am  your  better  now  by  Ring  and  Hatt., 
No  more  playn  Rofe.,  but  Mtftris  you  know  what. 

Marrie  therefore  and  yeald  increafe  a  ftore, 
Elfe  to  what  purpofe  weare  you  breed  and  borne: 
Thofe  that  receaue,  and  nothing  giue  therefore: 
Are  fruitles  creatures,  of  contempt  and  fcorne, 

The  excellence  of  all  things  doth  confift. 

In  giuing,  this  no  reafon  can  refift. 

The  glorious  Sun,  in  giving  forth  his  light. 
The  Earth  in  plants,  and  hearbs  &  counties  things 
The  trees  their  fruit.  The  Emprejfe  of  the  Night 
she  bountious  giues  to  rivers  flouds  and  fprings. 
And  all  that  heaven,  and  all  that  earth  containes, 
Their  goodnes,  in  Increafe  of  guifts  explaynes. 

But  what  doe  you  that  neither  giue  nor  take, 
(As  only  made  for  hearing,  and  for  feeing,) 
Although  created  helpers  for  Mans  fake: 

Yet 


The  'Bride. 

Yet  Man  no  whit  the  better  for  your  being, 
That  fpend  confume  and  Idle  out  your  howers. 
Like  many  garden-paynted  vfeleffe  flowers. 

Your  liues  are  like  thofe  worthies  barren  trees, 
That  never  yeald  (from  yeare  to  yeare)  but  leaues: 
Greene-bowes  vpori  them  only  all  men  fees, 
But  other  goodnes  there  is  none  receaues. 

They  flourifh  fommer  and  they  make  a  fhowe. 
Yet  to  themfelues  they  fruitles  fpring  &  growe. 

Confider  beaft,  and  fifh  and  foule,  all  creatures, 
How  there  is  male  and  female  of  their  kinde. 
And  how  in  loue  they  doe  inlarge  their  natures: 
Even  by  conflrayn'd  neceflity  inclyn'd: 

To  paire  and  match,  and  couple  tis  decreed. 
To  ftocke  and  flore  the  earth,  with  what  they 

/^breed. 
In  that  moft  powerfuU  word,  ftill  power  doth  lye. 
To  whofe  obedience  all  mufl  fubieft  bee. 
That  fayd  at  firft,  Increafe  and  multiply^ 
Which  ftill  enduers  from  age  to  age  we  fee: 
Dutie  obligeth  every  one  fhould  frame. 
To  his  dread  will,  that  did  commaund  the  fame. 

//  is  not  good  for  Man  to  be  alone.,  beft : ) 

(  Sayd  that  great  God,  who  only  knowes  whats 
And  therefore  made  a  wife  oi Adams  bone. 
While  he  repofing  flept,  with  quyet  reft. 

Which 


The  'Bride. 

Which  might  preiage,  the  great  Creator  ment, 
In  their  coniunftion,  fume  of  earths  content, 

Mijiris  Sufan* 

Good  Mijiris  Bride.,  now  we  haue  hard  your  fpcach 
In  commendation  of  your  Nuptiall  choyfe, 
Giue  me  a  littie  favour  I  befeech, 
To  fpeake  vnto  you  with  a  Virgins  voyce: 

Though  diners  elder  maydes  in  place  there  be, 
Yet  ile  begin,  trufting  they'le  fecond  me. 

We  are  your  fellows  but  to  Church  you  fay, 
As  cuftome  is  that  maydes,  ftiould  bring  the  Bride.^ 
And  for  no  longer  then  the  wedding  day, 
You  hould  with  vs,  but  turne  to  tother  fide: 
Boafting  of  Honour  you  affend  vnto. 
And  fo  goe  forward  making  much  adoc. 

But  this  vnto  you  luftly  I  obieft. 
In  the  defence  of  each  beloued  mayde, 
virginity^  is  life  of  chart  refpedl, 
No  worldly  burden  thereupon  is  layd: 
Our  fyngle  life,  all  peace  and  quiet  bringes. 
And  we  are  free  from  carefuU  earthly  things. 

We  may  doe  what  we  pleafe,  goe  where  we  lift. 
Without  pray  husband'^ill you  giue  me  leaue^ 
Our  refolutions  no  man  can  refift. 

Our 


The  'Bride, 

Onr  own's  our  owne,  to  giue  or  to  receiue, 
We  Hue  not  vnder  this  fame  word  obay: 
Till  Death  depart  vs,,  at  our  dying  day. 

We  may  delight  in  fafhion,  weare  the  fame. 
And  chufe  the  ftufFe  of  laft  devifed  fale: 
Take  Taylors  counfell  in  it  free  from  blame. 
And  caft  it  ofFaffoone  as  it  growes  ftale: 
Goe  out,  come  in,  and  at  felfe  pleafurc  liue, 
And  kindly  take,  what  kind  youngmen  do  piuc. 

Wee  haue  no  checking  churlifli  taunts  to  fcare  vs, 
We  haue  no  grumbling  at  our  purfe  expence: 
We  feeke  no  mifers  favour  to  forbeare  vs. 
We  vfe  no  houshold  wranglings  and  offence: 
We  haue  no  cocke  to  over  crowe  our  combe. 

Gate, 

Well  faid  good  Sufan^  now  thou  pay 'ft  her  home. 

Bride. 

A  little  favour  pray,  good  Mijiris  Sue^ 
You  haue  a  time  to  heare  afwell  as  fpeake: 
You  challenge  more  by  odds  then  is  ycur  due. 
And  ftand  on  Arguments  are  childifh  weake: 
Of  freedome,  liberty,  and  all  content. 
But  in  the  aire  your  breath  is  vainely  fpent. 

B  It 


The  "Bride. 

It  is  your  fhame  to  boft  you  haue  your  will, 
And  that  you  are  in  feare  of  no  controwlc, 
Your  cafes  Sujan^  are  more  bad  and  ill, 
Moft  dangerous  to  body  and  to  fouler 
A  woman  to  her  will  hath  oft  bin  try'd, 
To  run  with  errour,  on  the  left  hand  fide. 

Pray  did  not  danger  then  to  Eue  befall. 
When  (he  tooke  liberty  without  her  heda. 
The  Serpent  oucrc^me  her  therwithall, 
And  thorow  will,  fhe  wilfull  was  mifled: 
Yelding  aflbone  as  Sat/ian  did  intice. 
And  of  her  husband  ncuer  tooke  aduife. 

In  wit  to  men  we  are  inferiour  far. 
For  arts  for  learning,  and  Ingenious  things, 
No  rare  Inuentions  in  our  braynes  there  are. 
That  publique  profit  to  a  kingdome  brings: 
Tis  they  that  mufl:  all  callings  execute. 
And  wee  of  all  their  labours  reape  the  fruite. 

They  are  Diuines  for  foules  true  happines. 
They  Maiefliraites  to  right  ofi^enfiue  wronges. 
They  fouldiers  for  their  martiall  valiantnes. 
They  artizans,  for  all  to  vfe  belonges : 
They  husbandmen  to  worke  the  earths  increafe, 
And  they  the  fome  of  womens  ioye  and  peace. 

And  fhall  not  we  performe  obedience  then  ? 

As 


The  "Bride. 

As  wee  are  bound  by  law  of  God  and  nature, 
Yealding  true  harts  afFeflion  vnto  men, 
Ordain'd  to  rule  and  gouerne  euery  creature: 
Why  then  of  all  on  earth  that  Hue  and  moue, 
We  fhould  degenerate  and  monfters  proue. 

BeJJ-c, 

Monfters  (forfoth)  nere  fleepe  in  maidens  beds. 
But  they  are  lodged  with  your  married  wiues, 
The  knotty  browes,  and  rugged  butting  beds, 
Concerne  not  vs,  profeffing  fingle  Hues,  * 

To  learne  your  horne-booke  we  haue  no  deuotio 
Keepe  monfters  to  your  felues,  we  fcorne  the  mo- 

(tion. 
Bride, 

Befie,  of  fuch  fliapes,  whe  your  turne  coms  to  mar- 
A  carefuU  mynd,  in  choyfe  of  husband  beare,      (ry 
For  if  your  browes  from  former  fmothnes  varry, 
Thinke  on  this  fpeach,  //  commeth  mth  afeare: 

Which  I  am  paft,  perplexe  me  no  feare  can. 

Being  fure  I  haue  a  conftant  honeft  man. 

lane, 

Belieue  you  haue,  and  t*is  enough  they  fay, 
But  you  and  I  agree  not  in  a  mynde, 
I  read  in  ftoryes  men  will  run  aftray, 

B  2  Yet 


The  'Bride. 

Yet  make  their  foolifli  wiues  beleeue  th*are  kind: 
And  therefore  lince  they  are  fo  cunning  knownc 
He  keepe  my  felfe  a  maide  and  truft  to  none. 

Had  I  one  futor  fwore  himfelfe  loue-ficke. 
Another  for  his  Mistris  fake  would  die, 
A  third  thorow  Cupids  power  growne  lunaticke, 
A  fourth  that  languifhing  paft  hope  did  lye; 
And  fo  fift,  fixt,  and  feauenth  in  loues  pafiion, 
My  Maiden-head  for  them  fhould  ner'e  change 

(fafhion. 
Mneas  told  many  a  cogging  tale. 
To  Dido  that  renowned  worthy  Queene, 
And  lajonvfith  his  flatterings  did  preuaile. 
Yet  falfer  knaues  in  loue  were  neuer  feene: 
And  at  this  inftant  hower,  as  they  were  then, 
The  world  aboundeth  with  deceitfull  men. 


Doll. 


lane.,  thats  too  true,  for  to  you  all  I  fweare, 
How  I  was  bobd  by  one  tis  (hame  to  tell, 
A  fmoother  fellow  neuer  wench  did  heare, 
And  as  I  Hue,  I  thought  he  lou'd  me  well: 
Heere  you  fhall  fee  one  of  his  cunning  letters, 
Which  ftill  I  keepe,  &  meane  to  Ihew  his  betters. 

In  komane  hand,  on  guilded  paper  writ. 

Pray 


The  'Bride. 

Pray  Dorothy  read  you  it  to  the  reft. 
But  whether  his  owne  head  inuented  it. 
Or  robd  fome  printed  Booke,  I  doe  proteft : 
I  cannot  tell,  but  his  owne  name  is  to  it, 
Which  proues  he  takes  vpon  him  for  to  doe  it. 


The  Loue  Letter. 

The  trueft  hearty  fliall  nougnt  butfaljhood  cherijhy 
The  mildeft  many  a  cruell  tyrant proouey 
The  "^ater  drops  ^  the  har  deft  flint  Jhall  peri Jh^ 
The  hillesjhall'^alkey  andmajsie  earth  remooue: 
The  brighteft  Sunjhallturne  to  darkejome  clcmdCy 
Ere  Iproouefalfey  '^here  I  my  loue  haue  vo'^de. 

Ere  Iproouefalfey  the  '^orld  dejoludjhall  he^ 
To  that  fame  nothing  that  if^as  before^ 
Ere  I  prooue  falfe  mine  eyes /hall  ceafe  tojeey 
And  breath  oflifejhall  breath  in  me  no  more: 

Theftrong  built  frame  /hall  mouefrom  his  foundati- 
Ere  I  remoue  myfoules  determination,        ^  {on 

Death /hall forget  to  kill,  and  men  to  dye. 
Condemned foules /hall  laugh,  and  ceafe  to  mourney 
The  l(meft  hell /hall  rife  and  meete  thefkye. 
Time  /hall forget  his  courfe  and  b  ache  returne: 
Contrary  vnto  kinde  each  thing /hall prone, 

B  3  Ere 


T'he  "Bride. 

Ere  Ibefalje  or  once  forget  my  loue. 

Oh  then  dcare  hea*'t  regard  my  fad  eft  ate  ^ 

My  pafsions  grief e  and  ypofull  lamentation. 

Oh  pittie  me  ere  pittie  come  too  late. 

That  hold  thee  dearepaft  mans  imagination: 
Prejerue  my  life  and  fay  that  thou  mlt  haue  me. 
Or  el/e  I  die  the  yohole  'world  cannot Jaue  me. 

Grace, 

This  is  a  Ballad  I  haue  heard  it  fung. 

Doll, 

Well,  be  or  be  not,  that's  not  to  the  matter. 
But  who  will  truft  a  louers  pen  or  tongue, 
That  vfe  all  proteftations  thus  to  flatter : 
For  this  bafe  fellow  that  was  fo  perplext. 
Sent  this  one  monday,  and  was  married  next. 

Sara, 

« 

Now  out  vpon  him  mofl  dilTembling  creature, 
He  warrant  you  that  he  can  neuer  thriue, 
He  (howes  himfelfe,  euen  of  as  bad  a  nature, 
As  euer  was  in  any  man  aliue  : 

Alas  poore  foole  that  hath  this  fellow  got, 
Shee  hath  a  lewell  of  him,  hath  fhe  not  ? 

Nell 


The  'Bride. 

Nell. 

Yes  furely  hath  (he,  f  waying  dl  things  deepe,) 
A  louer  that  will  taft  as  fweete  as  gall, 
One  that  is  better  farre  to  hang  then  keepe, 
And  I  perfwade  me  you  doe  thinke  fo  all: 
Excepting  onely  partiall  Mi/iris  Bride^ 
For  fhe  (lands  ftoutly  to  the  married  fide. 

Bride, 

So  farre  as  reafon,  and  as  right  requires, 

I  will  defend  them  both  by  word  and  deede, 

Yet  haue  I  no  apology  for  lyers, 

And  ill  conditions  that  falfe  hearts  doe  breede  : 
"  All  that  are  married  be  not  faithfull  kinde, 
"  Nor  all  vnmarried,  are  not  chart  in  minde. 

Are  there  not  maidj  (vpon  your  cofcience  fpeake?) 
Knowne  to  your  felues  as  well  as  you  knowe  me, 
Will  vowe  their  loue  to  men,  and  falfly  breake, 
Which  in  the  number  of  your  Virgins  be, 

That  will  delude  fome  halfe  a  fcore  young  men, 
And  hauing  guU'd  them,  take  fome  other  then. 

I  will  not  name  her  was  in  loue  with  ten, 
But  in  your  eares  i'le  note  her  fecret;  harke. 
She  had  both  Courtiers,  Cockneys,  Country-men, 
Yet  in  the  ende  a  Saylor  boards  her  Barke  : 
•And  therefore  put  not  men  in  all  the  blame, 
But  fpeake  the  trueth,  and  fo  the  diuell  ftiamc. 

Grace, 


The  'Bride. 


Grace, 

I  knowe  the  partie  well  that  you  doe  meanc. 
And  thus  much  for  her  I  dare  boldly  fay. 
To  diuers  futors  though  fhe  feemed  to  leane, 
To  trye  her  fortunes  out  the  wifeft  way: 
Yet  did  fhe  neuer  plight  her  faith  to  any. 
But  vnto  him  fhe  had,  among  fo  many : 

And  ther's  no  doubt  but  diuers  doe  as  fhe, 

Your  felfe  in  confcience,  haue  had  more  then  one. 

To  whom  in  fhewe  you  would  familiar  be. 

And  comming  to  the  point  why  you  would  none: 

Ciuilitie  allowes  a  courteous  cariage, 

To  fuch  as  proffer  loue  by  way  of  marriage. 

An  aflPable  behauiour  may  be  vfed. 
And  kinde  requitall  anfwere  kinde  defeart. 
And  yet  no  honefl  man  thereby  abufed. 
With  fained  fhowes,  as  if  he  had  the  heart: 
When  there  is  purpofe  of  no  fuch  intent 
To  gull  him  with  his  time  and  mony  fpcnt. 

Mall 

Were  I  to  giue  maides  counfell,  they  to  take  it, 
And  that  they  would  confent  to  doe  as  I, 
Who  offered  vs  his  loue,  we  would  forfake  it. 
And  like  Dianes  Nymphs  would  Hue  and  die : 

For 


The  "Bride. 

For  I  proteft  your  louers  fliould  haue  none, 
But  wiues  and  widdowes  to  put  tricks  vpon. 

We  would  reuenge  the  crafty  double  dealing, 
Thoufands  of  harmelefle  virgins  doe  endure. 
By  their  deceitfull  art  of  kinde-hart  ftealing, 
Keeping  our  loues  vnto  our  felues  fecure: 

And  credit  to  their  vowes,  fhould  be  no  other, 
But  in  at  one  eare,  and  goe  out  at  t'other. 

Bride, 

This  you  would  doe,  and  y'are  in  that  minde  now, 
But  I  perfwade  me  tis  but  rafhly  fpoken. 
And  therefore  Mary  make  no  foolifh  vow. 
For  if  you  doe  in  confcience  t'will  be  broken: 

Say  you  doe  meane  to  keepe  you  free  from  man, 

But  to  be  fure,  ftill  put  in  If  you  can. 

Or  elfe  you  may  prefume  aboue  your  power, 
Twixt  words  and  deedes,       great  difference  often 
You  may  be  taken  fuch  a  louing  hower,        (growes, 
Your  heart  may  all  be  Cupids  to  difpofe: 

Then  we  fhall  haue  you  licke,  &  pine  and  grieue, 
And  nothing  but  aiusband  can  relieue. 

Aske  but  your  elders  that  are  gone  before. 
And  the'le  fay  marry  maide  as  we  haue  done, 
Twixt  twelue  and  twenty  open  loue  the  doore. 
And  fay  you  were  not  borne  to  Hue  a  Nonne: 

C  vnpcrfed 


The  'Bride. 

Vnperfeft  female,  liuing  odde  you  are, 
Neuer  true  euen,  till  you  match  and  paire. 

luH-Nature  at  the  firft  this  courfe  did  take. 
Woman  and  man  deuided  were  in  twaine, 
But  by  vniting  both  did  fweetely  make, 
Deuiiions  blifle  contenfull  to  remaine. 

Which  well  made  lawe  of  Nature  and  of  kinde. 
To  matters  reafonles  doe  nothing  binde. 

Nothing  vnfit,  nothing  vniuft  to  doe. 

But  all  in  order  orderly  confifting. 

Then  what  feeme  they  that  wil  not  ioine  their  two 

And  fo  be  one,  without  vnkinde  refifting: 
Surely  no  other  cenfure  pafle  I  can, 
But  fhe's  halfe  woman  Hues  without  a  man. 

One,  that  depriues  her  felfe  of  v,  hats  her  right. 
Borne  vnto  care,  and  ignorant  of  eafe, 
A  luftlefle  liuing  thing,  without  delight, 
One,  whom  vnpleafantnefTe  beft  feemes  to  pleafe: 
Depriu'd  of  lifes  fweete  ioy,  from  kind  remoued. 
Of  worthlefTe  parts,  vnworthy  to  be  loued. 

n 

Who  will  in  paine  pertake  with  fuch  a  one, 
(Whom  we  may  moft  vnhappy  creature  call,) 
Who  will  afsift  her,  when  her  griefe  makes  mone, 
Or  who  vphold  her  if  fhe  chance  to  fall: 

The 


^  The  "Bride, 

The  burthen  one  doth  beare  is  light  to  two, 
For  twilled  cordes  are  hardeft  to  vndoe. 

The  loue  and  ioy  doth  abfolute  remaine, 

That  in  pofteritie  is  fixed  faxt, 

For  thou  in  children  art  new  borne  againe, 

When  yeeres  haue  brought  thee  to  thy  breath- 

(fpent  laft : 
Thofe  oliue  plants,  fhall  from  each  otl^er  fpring. 
Till  Times  full  period  endeth  euery  thing. 

This  being  thus,  what  fencelefle  giries  you  be. 
To  iuftifie  a  life  not  worth  embracing, 
Oppofing  filly  maiden  wits  gainft  me. 
That  will  not  yeelde  an  ynch  to  your  out-facing: 
For  were  heere  prefentall  the  maydes  in  towne, 
With  marriage  reafons  I  would  put  them  down. 

Prudence, 

Kinke  fifters  all,  now  I  haue  heard  the  Bride,, 
Will  you  haue  my  opinion,  not  to  flatter. 
Sure  I  am  turning  to  the  wedding  fide, 
I  heare  fuch  good  found  reafon  for  the  matter: 
Let  Grace ^  Doll,,  ^f^j  and  52^/?,  Mary,,  lane,, 
Leade  apes  in  hell,  I  am  not  of  their  vaine. 

As  fure  as  death  ile  ioyne  my  felfe  with  man, 

C  2  For 


The  "Bride, 

For  I  perfwade  me  tis  a  happy  life, 
He  be  a  Bride  with  all  the  fpeede  I  can, 
It's  wonder  how  I  long  to  be  a  wife  : 
Grace  beer's  good  counfell,  had  you  grace  to  take  it 
^ufan  tis  found,  oh  BeJi'e  doe  not  forfake  it. 

Good  husband-men  we  fee  doe  euer  vfe, 
To  chufe  for  forfit  thpfe  that  breede  the  beft, 
And  none  v^ill  keepe  bad  breeders  that  can  chufe, 
Euen  fo  your  fowlers  that  often  brood  the  neft. 
Are  mofi:  efteCxTi'd,  &  their  kinds  worthieft  thoght 
All  barren  things,  by  all  are  counted  nought. 

Who  plantes  an  orchard  with  vnfruitfuU  trees, 
None  but  a  madman  fo  will  waft  his  ground. 
Or  who  fowes  corne  where  onely  fand  he  fees, 
Affured  that  there  will  no  increafe  be  found  : 
And  in  a  word  all  that  the  world  containes, 
Haue  excellence  in  their  begetting  gaines. 

For  my  part  therefore  I  refolue  me  thus, 

Vnto  the  purpofe  I  was  borne,  ile  liue. 

All  maydes  are  fooles  that  will  not  ioyne  with  vs. 

And  vnto  men  their  right  of  marriage  giue :  ^ 

Moft  worthy  Bride,  here  is  my  hand  and  vow, 

I  loue  a  man  in  heart,  as  well  as  thou. 

Francis, 

Prudence^  I  am  of  your  opinion  iuft, 

A  wiPs  farre  better  than  a  matchleffe  maide, 

lie 


,1'he  'Bride, 

lie  ftay  no  longer  virgin  then  needes  muft. 
The  law  of  Nature  ought  to  be  obayde  : 
Either  we  muft  haue  inward  loue  to  m^n. 
Or  elfe  beare  hate,  and  fo  be  brutifh  then. 

Doth  not  the  world  inftrudl  vs  this  by  others, 
That  wedlocke  is  a  remedy  for  finne, 
Shall  we  be  wifer  then  our  reuerent  mothers, 
That  married,  or  we  all  had  baftards  bin  : 
And  ere  our  mothers  loft  their  maiden  lemme. 
Did  not  our  grandhams  euen  as  much  for  them. 

From  whence  haue  you  the  gift  to  Hue  vnwed. 
Pray  of  what  ftuff^e  are  your  ftraight  bodies  made. 
By  what  chaft  fpirit  was  your  nicenefle  bred. 
That  feeme  of  flefti  to  be  fo  purely  ftayde  : 
Are  not  all  here  made  females  for  like  ends, 
Fye,  fye  for  fliamc,  difemble  not  with  friends. 

He  tell  you  orie  thing  which  by  proofe  I  knowe. 
My  mother  had  a  cocke  that  vs'd  to  roame. 
And  all  the  hens  would  to  our  neighbours  goe. 
We  could  not  keepe  them  for  our  Hues  at  home  : 
Abroad  they  went,  though  we  wold  nere  fo  faine 
Vntill  by  chance  we  got  our  cocke  againe. 

And  io  my  fathers  pigeons  in  like  fort. 
Our  matchlefle  hens  about  would  euer  flye, 
To  paire  with  other  doues  they  would  refort, 
(Pray  laugh  not  ^ufan^  for  it  is  no  lye)  I 


T'he  "Bride. 

I  haue  it  not  from  other  folkes  relation,  ''^^ 

But  from  mine  owne,  and  mothers  obferuatiori. 

Sufan. 

I  laugh  that  you  compare  vs  to  your  hens, 
Or  ftraying  pigions  that  abroad  haue  flowne,        T 
To  feeke  about  for  cocks  of  other  mens, 
Becaufe  (you  fay)  they  wanted  of  their  owne  : 

But  Franc ke^  though  you  like  them  be  francke 

and  free, 

You  muft  not  iudge  all  other  fo  to  be. 

We  doe  not  vfe  to  hunt  abroad  for  cockes, 
But  rather  fhun  the  places  where  they  be, 
The  prouerbe  fayes,  letgeeje  beware  thefox^ 
Tis  eafie  making  prayes  of  fucb  as  we  ; 

That  will  not  keepe  them  from  the  charmers 

(charme. 

Mens  flatteries  doe  maiden-heads  much  harme. 

Bride. 

Flatterers  are  of  all  to  be  reiefted. 
As  weP  of  wiues  as  you  that  are  but  maydes,         ^ 
We  praife  not  faults  wherewith  men  are  infe6led, 
Nor  yeeld  applaufe  to  euery  one  perfwades: 
Our  prayiing  men  thus  vnderltand  you  muft, 
Tis  meant  of  thofe  are  honeft,  louing,  iuft. 

Why 


The  'Bride. 

Why  there  are  men  doe  erre  in  what  you  hold, 
Chaft  batchelers  that  neuer  meane  to  match. 
Who  for  the  fiugle  life  fmooth  tales  haue  told. 
And  yet  the  flefhly  knaues  will  haue  a  fnafch: 
He  neVe  truft  thofe  that  of  thcmfelues  doe  hoaft. 
The  great'ft  prefifians  will  deceiue  you  moft. 

I  knew  a  prating  fellow  would  maintaine, 
A  married  man  had  but  two  merry  dayes. 
His  wedding  day  the  ioyfuU  firft  of  twaine. 
For  then  God  giue  you  ioy,  euen  all  men  fayes : 

The  fecond  merry  day  of  married  life. 

Is  that  whereon  he  burieth  his  wife. 

And  woemen  vnto  fhippes  he  would  compare, 
Saying  as  they  continually  lacke  mending. 
So  wiues  ftill  out  of  repairations  are, 
And  vrge  their  husbands  daily  vnto  fpending: 
Yea  \7orfe  difgrace,  he  would  prefume  to  fpeake: 
Which  I  will  fpare,  leaft  I  offend  the  weake. 

But  note  the  badneffe  of  this  wretches  life, 
That  counted  woemen  abieft  things  forfaken. 
He  raune  away  at  laft  with's  neighbours  Wife, 
Worthy  of  hanging  were  the  rafcall  taken  : 
Such  odious  aftes  haue  fuch  diflioneft  mates, 
that  againft  marriage,  rude  and  fenceles  prates. 

But 


The  'Bride. 

But  you  moft  wilfull  wenches  that  oppofe, 

Againft  the  ftate  that  you  are  borne  to  honour, 

A  prophefie  vnto  you  He  difclofe, 

And  fhe  that  here  doth  take  moft  nice  vpon  her: 
Pray  note  it  well,  for  there  is  matter  in  it. 
And  for  to  doe  you  good  thus  I  beginne  it. 

When  fifh  with  fowle  change  elenients  together. 
The  one  forfaking  aire,  the  other  water. 
And  they  that  woare  the  finne,  to  wearc  the  fea- 

(ther, 
Remaining  changelings  all  the  worlds  time  after; 
The  courfe  of  nature  will  be  fo  beguilde. 
One  maide  fhall  get  another  maide  with  childe. 

When  euery  Crow  fhall  turne  to  be  a  Parret, 
And  euery  Starre  out-fhine  the  glorious  Sunne, 
And  the  new  water  works  runne  white  and  clrrret, 
That  come  to  towne  by  way  oi ijlington^ 

Woemen  and  men  fhall  quite  renounce  each  o- 

(ther. 
And  maides  fhall  bee  with  childe,  like  Merlins 

(mother. 
Grace. 

Like  Merlins  mother,  how  was  that  I  pray. 
For  I  haue  heard  he  was  a  cunning  man, 
There  lines  not  fnch  another  at  this  day. 
Nor  euer  was,  fince  Brittans  firft  began  : 

Tell 


The  "Bride. 


Tell  vs  the  ftory,  and  we  well  will  minde  it. 
Becaufe  they  fay,  In  ^written  bookes  wejinde  it. 

Bride, 

Marry  this  Merlins  mother  was  welfh  Lady, 
That  liued  in  Carnaruan  beautious  maide, 
And  loue  of  Lords  and  Knights  fliee  did  not  way 

(by. 
But  fet  all  light,  and  euery  one  denay'd: 
All  Gentlemen,  (as  all  you  knowe  be  there,) 
That  came  a  wooing  were  no  wit  the  neere. 

At  length  it  hapned  that  this  gallant  girle. 
Which  fcorned  all  men  that  fhe  euer  faw, 
Holaing  her  felfe  to  be  a  matchleffe  Pearle, 
And  fuch  a  Loadeftone  that  could  Louers  draw  : 
Grew  belly-full,  exceeding  bigge  and  plumpe. 
Which  put  her  Mayden-credit  in  a  dumpe. 

Time  running  courfe,  and  her  full  ftomacke  fed. 
When  confumation  of  fewe  months  expiied, 
Shee  husbandleffe,  a  mayde  was  brought  to  bed, 

D  Of 


the  'Bride, 


Of  that  rare  Merlin  that  the  world  admired : 
This  to  be  honeft,  all  her  friends  did  doubt  it, 
Much  prittle  prattle  was  in  Wales  about  it. 

So  that  ere  long,  the  ftrangnes  of  the  thing. 
To  heare  that  Lady  Adhan  had  a  childe, 
Caus'd  famous  Arthur^  (being  Brittans  King) 
Send  for  her  to  the  Court,  and  reafon  milde: 
To  know  how  this  rare  matter  could  be  done. 
And  make  her  finde  a  father  for  her  fonne. 


She  told  his  Maieftie  with  fighes  and  teares, 
That  keeping  beautie  carefull  from  the  Sunne, 
Within  her  chamber  fafely  fhut  from  feares, 
Till  Phcebus  horfes  to  the  Weft  were  runne: 

The  doores  faft  lock'd,  and  fhe  her  felfe  alone. 
Came  in  a  gallant  ftranger,  meere  vnknowne. 

Who  euer  came  in  courting  manner  to  her. 
With  all  the  louing  courage  could  be  thought: 
So  powerfuU  in  perfwafions  force  to  woe  her. 
That  to  his  will  conftrained  fhe  was  brought: 
Although  her  heart  did  firme  deniall  vow. 
Yet  fhe  was  forc'd  to  yeeld  and  knew  not  how. 

So 


The  'Bride. 


So  oft  he  came  (quoth  flie)  priuate  and  ftrange, 
When  I  fhut  vp  my  fdfe  in  moft  fad  humor. 
That  1  began  to  finde  an  inward  change, 
Which  brought  me  quickly  to  an  outward  tumor: 
An't  pleafe  your  highnes  I  was  in  fuch  cafe. 
That  to  the  world  I  durft  not  fhow  my  face. 

My  foes  reioyced,  all  my  friends  were  fad. 
My  felfe  in  forrow  fpent  both  day  and  night. 
No  fatisfaftion  my  wrong'd  honour  had. 
Was  neuer  maide  in  fuch  perplexed  plight: 
To  be  with  child  whether  I  will  or  no. 
And  for  my  child,  no  humane  father  know. 

Had  I  bin  married  (quoth  flie)  as  I  ought. 
And  with  my  loue,  the  loue  of  man  requited, 
I  had  not  to  this  woefuU  ftate  bin  brought. 
In  all  contempt,  difgracefuUy  defpighted: 

And  tearmed  ftrumpet  by  the  rude  vnciuill, 
Who  fay  my  fonne  is  baftard  to  the  diuell. 

Wherefore  I  wifh  Ladies  of  my  degree, 
And  all  the  reft  infcriour  forts  of  maydes. 
To  take  a  warning  (for  their  good)  by  me, 

Y  2  Yeelding 


T'he  "Bride. 


Yeelding  afFeftion  when  kind  men  perfwades  : 
And  hate  difdaine  that  vile  accurfed  fin, 
Leaft  they  be  plagu'd  for  pride  as  I  haue  bin. 

How  fay  you  to  this  warning  wenches  now. 
That  Lady  Adhan  giues  vnto  you  all, 
Were  you  not  be^-ter  marriage  to  allow. 
Then  in  a  manner  for  a  Midwife  call : 

I  thinke  you  were  if  I  might  iudge  the  caufe. 
How  fay  you  Sufan^  fpeake  good  Doll  dinA.  Grace. 

Grace, 

This  is  a  ftory  that  feemes  very  ftrange. 
And  for  my  part,  it  doth  me  full  perfwade. 
My  Mayden-head  with  fome  man  to  exchange, 
I  will  not  Hue  in  danger  of  a  mayde: 

The  world  the  flefh,  the  diuell  tempts  vs  ftill. 
He  haue  a  husband,  I  proteft  I  will. 


If  I  were  fure  none  of  you  here  would  blabbe, 
I  would  euen  tell  you  of  a  dreame  moft  true. 
And  if  I  lye,  count  me  the  verieft  drabbe, 
Tnat  euer  any  of  you  faw  or  knewe  : 


When 


"The  'Bride. 


When  a  friend  fpeakes  in  kindnes  do  not  wrong 

(her: 
For  I  can  keepe  it  (for  my  life)  no  longer. 

One  night  (I  haue  the  day  of  moneth  fet  downe) 
Becaufe  I  will  make  ferious  matters  fure, 
Me  thought  I  went  a  iourney  out  of  towne, 
And  with  a  propper  man  I  was  made  fure  : 

As  fure  as  death,  me  thought  we  were  affured, 
And  all  things  for  the  bufinefTe  were  procured. 


We  did  agree,  and  faith  and  troath  did  plight, 
And  he  gaue  me,  and  I  gaue  him  a  Ring, 
To  doe  as  Mijiris  Bride  will  doe  at  night, 
And  I  proteft  me  thought  he  did  the  thing  : 
The  thing  we  ftand  fo  much  vpon  he  tooke, 
And  I  vpon  the  matter  bigge  did  looke. 


T 
c>  J 


Forfooth  (in  fadnes,)  I  was  bigge  with  childe. 
And  had  a  belly,  (marry  God  forbid,^ 
Then  fell  a  weeping,  but  he  laught  and  fmil'd, 
And  boldly  faid,  weele  ftand  to  what  we  did  : 
Fye,  fye  (quoth  I)  who  euer  ftands  I  fall. 
Farewell  my  credit,  maydenhead  and  all. 

D  3  Thus 


The  'Bride. 


Thus  as  I  cry'd  and  wept  and  wrong  my  hands. 
And  faid  deare  maydes  and  maydenhead  adue, 
Before  my  face  me  thought  my  mother  ftands, 
And  queftion'd  with  me  how  this  matter  grew  :    ^ 
With  that  I  ftart  awake  as  we  are  now. 
Yet  feard  my  dreame  had  bin  no  dreame  I  vow-, 

I  could  not  (for  my  life)  tell  how  to  take  it. 

For  I  was  ftricken  in  a  mightie  maze. 

Therefore  if  marriage  come  He  not  forfake  it, 

Tis  danger  to  Hue  virgin  diuers  wayes, 
I  would  not. in  fuch  feare  againe  be  found. 
Without  a  husband,  for  a  thoufand  pound. 

Sufan. 

Is  it  euen  fo  Grace.,  are  you  come  to  this. 
You  that  perfwaded  me  from  loue  of  late. 
When  you  knew  who,  fent  me  a  Ring  of  his  : 
And  would  haue  had  me  bin  his  turtle  mate. 
You  cunningly  did  make  me  to  forfake  him, 
Becaufe  I  thinke  in  confcience  you  will  take  hjm. 

He  truft  your  word  another  time  againe. 
That  can  diflemble  fo  againft  your  heart, 
Wifliing  that  I  Ihould  earneftly  refrainc. 

From 


The  'Bride. 


From  that  which  thou  thy  felfe  embracer  art: 
This  is  braue  doing,  I  commend  you  Grace^ 
But  ilc  nere  truft  you  more  in  fuch  a  cafe. 

Bride, 

I  pray  you  here  let  this  contention  ende, 
(We  being  all  of  felfe  fame  woman  kind,) 
And  each  the  other,  with  aduife  befriend, 
Becaufe  I  fee  fome  of  you  well  enclin'd: 

To  take  good  Vv^ayes,  and  fo  become  good  wiues, 
lie  teach  you  certaine  rules  to  leade  your  Hues. 

You  that  intend  the  honourable  life, 
And  would  with  ioy  liue  happy  in  the  fame, 
Muft  note  eight  duties  doe  concerne  a  wife, 
To  which  with  all  endeuour  fhe  muft  frame: 
And  fo  in  peace  poffeffe  her  husbands  loue. 
And  all  diftaft  from  both  their  hearts  remooue. 


The  firft  is  that  fhe  haue  domeftique  cares. 
Of  priuate  bufineffe  for  the  houfe  within. 
Leaning  her  husband  vnto  his  affaires. 
Of  things  abroad  that  out  of  doores  haue  bin : 
By  him  performed  as  his  charge  to  doe. 
Not  bufie-body  like  inclined  thereto. 

Nor 


The  'Bride. 


Nor  interni'^dling  as  a  number  will, 

Of  foolifh  goffips,  fuch  as  doe  neglefl, 

The  things  which  doe  concerne  them,  and  too  ill, 

Prefume  in  matters  vnto  no  efFe6l: 

Beyond  their  element,  when  they  fhould  looke. 
To  what  is  done  in  Kitchin  by  the  Cooke. 

Or  vnto  childrens  vertuous  education, 
Or  to  their  maides  that  they  good  hufwiues  be. 
And  carefully  containe  a  decent  fafhion. 
That  nothing  pafle  the  lymmits  of  degree: 

Knowing  her  husbands  buiineffe  from  her  own, 

And  diligent  doe  that,  let  his  alone. 

The  fecond  dutie  of  the  wife  is  this, 
(Which  (hee  in  minde  ought  very  carefuU  beare) 
To  entertaine  in  houfe  fuch  friends  of  his. 
As  fhe  doth  know  haue  husbands  welcome  there: 
Not  her  acquaintance  without  his  confent. 
For  that  way  lealoufie  breeds  difcontent. 

r 

An  honeft  woman  will  the  fcandall  fhun. 
Of  that  report  is  made  of  wanton  nefle. 
And  feare  her  credit  will  to  ruine  run. 

When 


I'he  'Bride. 


When  euill  fpeakers  doe  her  fliame  expreffe: 
And  therefore  from  this  rule  a  praftife  drawes. 
That  the  efFeft  may  ceafe,  remoue  the  caufe. 

Th'ird  dutie  is,  that  of  no  proude  pretence, 
She  moue  her  husband  to  confume  his  mcancs, 
With  vrging  him  to  needleffe  vaine  expence, 
Which  toward  the  Counter,  or  to  Ludgate  leanes: 
For  many  ydle  huswiues  (London  knowes) 
Haue  by  their  pride  bin  husbands  ouerthrowcs. 

A  modeft  woman  will  in  compaffc  keepe. 
And  decently  vnto  her  calling  goe. 
Not  diuing  in  the  frugall  purfe  too  deepe. 
By  making  to  the  world  a  pecocke  fhowe:  (wiues. 
Though  they  feeme  fooles,  fo  yeelde  vnto  their 
Some  poore  men  doe  it  to  haue  quiet  Hues. 

Fourth  dutie  is,  to  loue  her  owne  houfe  beft. 
And  be  no  gadding  goffippe  vp  and  downe. 
To  heare  and  carry  tales  amongft  the  reft. 
That  are  the  newes  reporters  of  the  towne: 
A  modeft  womans  home  is  her  delight, 
Of  bufinefle  there,  to  haue  the  ouerfight. 

E  At 


The  'Bride. 


At  publike  playes  fhe  neuer  will  be  knowne. 
And  to  be  tauerne  gueft  fhe  euer  hates, 
Shee  fcornes  to  be  a  ftreete-wife  (Idle  one,) 
Or  field  wife  ranging  with  her  walking  mates: 
She  knows  how  wife  men  cenfure  of  fuch  dames, 
And  how  with  blottes  they  blemifli  their  good 

(names. 

And  therefore  with  thedoue  ftieele  rather  choofe. 
To  make  aboade  where  fhe  hath  dwelling  place, 
Or  like  the  fnayle  that  fhelly  houfe  doeth  vfe. 
For  fhelter  flill,  fuch  is  good-hufwiues  cafe : 
Refpefting  refidence  where  fhe  doth  loue. 
As  thofe  good  houfholders,  the  fnayle  and  doue. 

Fift  dutie  of  a  wife  vnto  her  head. 
Is  her  obedience  to  reforme  his  will. 
And  neuer  with  a  felfe  conceit  be  led, 
That  her  aduife  prooues  good,  his  counfell  ill: 
In  Judgement  being  Angular  alone. 
As  hauing  all  the  wit,  her  husband  none. 

\ 
She  mufl  not  thinke  her  wifedome  to  be  thus, 

(For  we  alafie  are  weakelings  vnto  men) 

What  fingular  good  thing  remaines  in  vs. 

Of 


The  'Bride. 


Of  wife  ones  in  a  thoufanB,  ftiow  me  ten, 
Her  ftocke  of  wit,  that  hath  the  moft  (I  fay,) 
Hath  fcarfe  enough  for  fpending  euery  day. 

When  as  the  husband  bargaines  hath  to  make. 
In  things  that  are  depending  on  his  trade. 
Let  not  wifes  boldnes,  power  vnto  her  take. 
As  though  no  match  were  good  but  what  fhe  made 
For  {he  that  thus  hath  oare  in  husbands  boate. 
Let  her  take  breech,  and  giue  him  petti-coate. 

Sixt  dutie  is,  to  pacifie  his  yre, 
although  fhe  finde  that  he  empatient  be. 
For  hafty  words,  like  fuell  adde  to  fire, 
And  more,  and  more  infenceth  wraths  degree  : 
When  fhe  perceiues  his  choller  in  a  fit. 
Let  her  forbeare,  and  that's  a  figne  of  wit. 

Many  occafions  vnto  men  doe  fall. 
Of  aduerfe  crofTes,  woemen  not  conceiue. 
To  find  vs  honny,  they  doe  meete  with  gall. 
Their  toyle  for  vs,  doe  their  owne  ioyes  bereaue : 
Great  fhame  it  were,  that  we  fhould  ad  their  woe. 
That  doe  maintaine,  and  keepe,  and  loue  vs  fo. 

E2  If 


The  'Bride. 


If  that  a  hafty  word  fometime  be.fpoke, 
Let  vs  not  cenfure  therefore  they  are  foes, 
Say  tis  infirmitie  that  doth  prouoke,      (knowes  : 
Their  hearts  are  forry  for  their  tongues  God 
Since  we  by  proofe  each  day  and  hower  finde, 
For  one  harih  word,  they  giue  ten  thoufandkind 

The  feuenth  dutie  that  fhe  muft  endeauour, 
Is  to  obferue  her  husbands  difpofition. 
And  thereunto  conforme  her  felfe  for  euer, 
In  all  obedient  fort,  with  meeke  fubmiffion  : 
Refoluing  that  as  his  conditions  are. 
Her  rules  of  life  fhe  inuft  according  fquare. 

His  vertues  and  good  parts  which  l"hc  doth  finde, 

fhee  muft  endeauor  for  to  imitate. 

The  vices  whereunto  he  is  enclin'd, 

Shee  muft  in  patience  beare  in  milde  eftate : 
So  that  the  meekeneffe  of  her  louing  carriage, 
May  be  peace-maker,  of  all  ftrife  in  marriage. 

r 

She  muft  not  doe  as  foolifli  woemen  vfe. 
When  they  are  met  about  the  goflippes  chat. 
Their  abfcnt  husbands  with  their  tongues  abufe, 

But 


The  "Bride. 


But  vtterly  abhorre  to  offer  that : 

Refoluing  that  a  husbands  leaft  difgrace, 
Sould  caufe  the  wife  to  haue  a  blufhing  face. 

The  eight  lail  dutie  fhe  muft  take  vpon  her. 
To  binde  all  t'other  feauen  to  be  done, 
Is  loue  and  chiefe  regard  to  husbands  honour, 
Which  if  at  true  affection  it  begunne  : 
Then  be  he  poore,  or  ficke,  or  in  diftreffe, 
See  ftill  remaines  moft  firme  in  faithfulneffc. 


Beft  in  aduerfitie  it  will  appearc. 
What  conftancy  within  the  heart  remaines, 
No  teftimonie  can  be  found  more  rleare, 
Then  friend  in  trouble  rhat  his  loue  explaines  : 
For  fuch  a  one  we  may  refolue  is  true, 
That  changeth  not,  though  fortune  turne  from 

(yon. 

And  thus  faire  virgins,  to  you  all  farewell, 
What  I  haue  fpoken  doe  proceede  from  loue. 
The  ioyes  of  marriage  I  want  art  to  tell, 
And  therefore  no  more  talke,  but  try  and  proue : 
With  wedding  rings,  be  wiues  of  credit  knowne 
God  fend  good  husbands  to  you  euery  one. 

FINIS. 


A  Limited  Edition  of  two  hundred  and  ten  copies  of  this  book  (of  which 
one  hundred  and  ninety  are  for  sale)  was  printed  on  Old  Italian  hand- 
made paper,  by  D.  B.  Updike,  The  Merrymount  Press,  Boston,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1905.  This  copy  is  No. 


X 


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